Shiv Sena (UBT)–MNS Tie-Up Likely Next Week, Says Sanjay Raut – Delhi News Daily

Uddhav and Raj Thackeray (Credit: Instagram)

Alliance talks between the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) are close to completion, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said on Sunday. He indicated that the two parties could formally announce their decision within the next two to three days.

Raut was speaking to reporters while vote counting was underway for local body elections. He said the meeting held earlier in the day was likely the final round of discussions between the two sides. The proposed tie-up is aimed at the upcoming municipal corporation elections across Maharashtra, including the high-profile Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls.

“This (the talks which took place on Sunday), we believe, is the last meeting. In two to three days there will be an official announcement,” Raut said, referring to the discussions with the Raj Thackeray-led MNS.

Elections to 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, are scheduled for January 15. The counting of votes will take place a day later.

However, the proposed alliance has raised concerns within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), particularly from the Congress, which is a key ally of the Shiv Sena (UBT). Raut acknowledged that the Congress has reservations about partnering with the MNS.

“The Congress has expressed its reservation over Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). We tried to convince the Congress that to defeat the BJP, it is necessary to come together. However, efforts are on to convince them,” he said.

At the same time, Raut refuted claims about tensions within the alliance, saying differences over Mumbai’s civic polls had not affected ties between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress. “There is no bad blood among us (with Congress) despite not having an alliance in Mumbai,” he added.

The Congress, meanwhile, has signalled that it may contest the BMC elections on its own. On Saturday, All India Congress Committee general secretary and Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala said party workers were strongly in favour of going solo.

“We will fight the polls on issues of common Mumbaikars like pollution, healthcare, and corruption. Mumbaikars should give us a chance to serve them well. The Congress is firm on contesting polls independently to protect the secular fabric of the metropolis,” Chennithala had said.

With the civic polls fast approaching, the next few days are expected to be crucial in determining how alliances shape up for Mumbai’s closely watched municipal elections.